NEW THIS MORNING: Wednesday, September 4
Nicole Martel, general manager of the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse, looks at what's left of the restaurant on Tuesday after it was destroyed in a fire on Monday.
BILL BULEY/Press
1. After the fire: Many stop by Wolf Lodge Steakhouse to offer encouragement
As word spread of the blaze that destroyed the beloved landmark 8 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, people stopped by to take a look and offer encouragement.
A few passersby on Frontage Road and Interstate 90 honked horns. A bouquet of flowers was left at the base of the fireplace’s rock wall that was still standing.
Inside the fence, investigators looked through remains of the building beloved by many not just for the steaks, but for the friendly atmosphere that made guests feel like they were home.
Jason Blubaum, deputy state fire marshal, said they expected to wrap up their work Tuesday
2. Coeur d'Alene council approves University District for NIC
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a new zoning district for land located in and near the North Idaho College campus.
The move pleased NIC instructor Kathleen Miller Green. She said the designated University District will provide students with security in knowing the college will be there for years to come.
The college is thriving, with some of the top programs in the state, Miller Green said.
3. Back to school, back to normal
A new school year began Tuesday, welcoming students back to the grand halls of academia.
Old friends greeted each other at their lockers. Teachers smiled as their classrooms filled up and it was business as usual with nary an indication of the learning disruption that took place when the COVID-19 pandemic struck four-and-a-half years ago.
Students who were in kindergarten in the spring of 2020 are now fifth graders. This year's seniors were in seventh grade when schools were closed as a novel coronavirus blazed around the world.
4. County Line Fire fully contained near Plummer
The County Line Fire near Plummer is fully contained, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
The fire, which broke out Saturday morning, remains at 192 acres in size. Resources assigned to the fire have been reduced to four engines, one water tender and two crews. Some smoke may be seen at interior portions of the fire area for some time, which authorities said is normal.
County Line Road remains closed while Avista works to replace poles and lines.
5. Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra kicks off concert season
The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra kicked off its concert season Monday with a free Labor Day concert in City Park.
Hundreds of music lovers set up lawn chairs and picnic blankets under the trees to enjoy a variety of classical and opera pieces performed by the Symphony. Cd'A Symphony Orchestra board member Brenda Garcia described the Labor Day concert as a “longtime tradition” that introduces the symphony to the community.